The EFL has taken a firm stance ahead of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, decisively rejecting Manchester City’s request to make Marc Guehi eligible for the clash against Arsenal.
Despite strong backing from Pep Guardiola, the league showed no flexibility, confirming that the defender will not be allowed to feature in the final. The decision brings an end to City’s hopes of fielding their January signing on one of English football’s biggest domestic stages.
Manchester City’s Appeal Meets EFL Resistance
According to Sky Sports, Manchester City formally approached the English Football League (EFL) seeking special permission for Guehi to play in the Carabao Cup final. However, the response from the league was swift and unequivocal — the request was denied.
City were fully aware that the situation was complicated by competition rules, yet still attempted to challenge the restriction. The EFL, however, remained resolute, refusing to make any exception.
This means Guehi, who joined City from Crystal Palace in January, will watch the final from the sidelines.
Guehi Misses Out Again Despite City’s Final Qualification
Manchester City booked their place at Wembley with a convincing 3–1 win over Newcastle in the semi-final. Once again, Guehi was absent — not due to injury or tactical rotation, but because of eligibility restrictions already enforced by the EFL.
The defender had also been unavailable for the semi-final tie, and the final decision ensures that his exclusion extends to the showpiece event as well.
Why the EFL Has Ruled Marc Guehi Ineligible
The issue centers on timing and the EFL’s revised Rule 6.4.2.
Under the updated regulation, a player may represent more than one club in the competition only if they are registered before either:
- the close of the winter transfer window, or
- the first leg of the semi-final(whichever comes first)
For Manchester City, that deadline arrived early.
City played the first leg of their semi-final on January 13. While Antoine Semenyo, who joined the club on January 9, met the eligibility criteria and was cleared to play, Marc Guehi completed his transfer later — on January 19.
That six-day difference proved decisive.
Semenyo Cleared, Guehi Blocked
The contrast between the two January signings highlights the strict application of EFL rules.
- Antoine Semenyo: Signed before the January 13 cut-off — eligible and even scored.
- Marc Guehi: Signed after the deadline — ruled ineligible for both the semi-final and final.
The EFL made no distinction beyond the regulation itself, applying the rule consistently despite City’s appeal.
Guardiola Voices Frustration Over EFL Decision
Pep Guardiola did not hide his disappointment following the rejection.
“Why shouldn’t he participate? Why not?” Guardiola said.
“He’s our athlete, we pay his wages… I don’t see the reason he can’t participate in the final.”
While clearly frustrated, the City manager acknowledged that the regulation was unlikely to change. Still, he felt the club had a responsibility to ask — even if the answer was ultimately negative.
EFL’s Position Leaves City No Room for Maneuver
With the EFL standing firm, Manchester City must now adjust their plans once again as they prepare for the final against Premier League leaders Arsenal on March 22.
There will be no late reprieve, no exception, and no rule adjustment. The league’s message is clear: regulations apply equally, regardless of circumstance or occasion.
Final Word: EFL’s Authority Prevails
The EFL’s decision underscores its commitment to enforcing competition rules without compromise. While Manchester City may feel aggrieved, the outcome reinforces the league’s authority and consistency.
For Marc Guehi, it means a frustrating wait continues. For City, it’s a reminder that even elite clubs are bound by the same regulations — and that the EFL is not prepared to bend them, even for a Wembley final.
✅ FAQ Block
❓ Why did the EFL block Marc Guehi from playing the final?
The EFL ruled Marc Guehi ineligible because he was registered after the first leg of the semi-final, violating Rule 6.4.2.
❓ Did Manchester City appeal the EFL decision?
Yes, Manchester City requested permission for Guehi to play, but the EFL rejected the appeal.
❓ Can Marc Guehi play in the Carabao Cup final?
No, the EFL has confirmed that Marc Guehi will not be allowed to play in the Wembley final against Arsenal.
Maruti Suzuki Recalls 39,506 Grand Vitara cars because there is a problem with the fuel indicator
November 15, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is calling back 39,506 Grand Vitara SUVs. They found a possible problem with the fuel level and the warning light. This is to make sure customers stay safe and the cars keep working well.The company said that the Grand Vitara cars made between December 9, 2024, and April 29, 2025, are the ones affected. Why Is
Yamaha FZ-Rave and Bajaj Pulsar N160: Price, Specs, and Features
November 14, 2025
If you want to get a stylish motorcycle in India that doesn’t cost too much, the Yamaha FZ-Rave and Bajaj Pulsar N160 are two bikes you should look at. Both of these bikes are made for people who want good value, steady performance, and current features, but still want to keep the price low. Yamaha just put out the FZ-Rave
‘De De Pyaar De 2’: OTT Release Details, Cast, Runtime & Everything You Need to Know
November 14, 2025
Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh are all set to return with their much-awaited romantic comedy ‘De De Pyaar De 2’, and the excitement around the film is already high. With its theatrical release scheduled for November 14, 2025, fans are now equally curious about the film’s digital premiere. What is ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ About? ‘De De Pyaar
‘I’m Going Quiet’: Warren Buffett Ends Six-Decade Tradition of Writing Berkshire Hathaway Letters
November 11, 2025
Warren Buffett, the man who leads Berkshire Hathaway, said he will stop making the company’s famous yearly letters to people who own shares. He has done this for sixty years. A lot of people in the country saw a big change because of these letters. Buffett said he is “going quiet.” People in business liked these letters as they were
Ireland vs Bangladesh: Test-Starved Sides Ready to Dine on Red-Ball Action in Sylhet
November 11, 2025
Ireland vs Bangladesh : After being away from playing red-ball cricket for a long time, Bangladesh and Ireland will face each other again in Sylhet. This game is a fresh chance for both teams to play Test matches, since they have mostly played short-format games lately. Both teams want to get back their form and feel good about their play.
All Her Fault Ending Explained, Release Schedule, and How to Watch — Full Story Breakdown, Cast, and True Story Link
November 9, 2025
The show All Her Fault has become popular because of its strong acting, feelings, and surprising plot. It is a suspense drama based on Andrea Mara’s best-selling book. The story follows a mother who is desperate to find her missing son. Image Credit:Sky TV
‘Jana Nayagan’: First Single ‘Thalapathy Kacheri’ Ignites Fan Frenzy Ahead of Pongal 2026 Release
November 8, 2025
With the release of its first single, “Thalapathy Kacheri,” Jana Nayagan’s eagerly anticipated musical journey has officially begun, setting the stage for a lavish fan celebration. Image Credit: T-Series
The Gateway to India’s Semiconductor Revolution – Sitharaman Calls It a ‘Golden Moment of Growth’
November 8, 2025
Gateway?:Assam is witnessing a historic transformation — one that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has aptly called a “golden moment of growth.” During her visit to India’s first semiconductor assembly and testing plant in the state, Sitharaman emphasized that Assam is no longer on the sidelines of industrial progress — it is becoming the gateway to India’s next era of
‘The Family Man Season 3’: Manoj Bajpayee’s Srikant Tiwari Returns as a Wanted Spy in a Thrilling New Chapter
November 8, 2025
Image Credit: Prime Video India
Jatadhara Movie Review : A Supernatural Mystery With an Intriguing Premise but Uneven Execution
November 8, 2025
Image credit: Zee Studios